Cotswold Wildlife has welcomed a menagerie of new arrivals, including a Kirk's Dik-dik calf. The shy newborn can sometimes be seen with her parents in the outdoor enclosure they share with the Stanley Cranes (also known as the Paradise Crane) and Kenyan Crested Guinea Fowl in the Park's Little Africa exhibit. Kirk's Dik-dik are a dwarf Antelope species native to Eastern Africa.
Cotswold Wildlife Park 2019 Photography Competition
The competition is now open for entries from adults and children (aged 16 and under). The overall winner of the adult and child categories will each win a season ticket to the Park. Winners and runners-up will have their photographs displayed in the Park’s restaurant.
Here are the seven categories for this year’s competition.
- Animal Portraits - A photograph that conveys the character and personality of your chosen individual or group of animals.
- Beauty in Nature - Photographs highlighting the natural beauty of any of the Park’s 250 different species of Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Birds.
- Quirky Creatures – A light-hearted category celebrating the comedic aspect of creatures at the Park. Judges welcome photographs featuring anything that has raised a smile during your visit.
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Natural Behaviour - Images revealing the most interesting, memorable or dramatic behaviour of any of the animals at the Park.
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Glorious Gardens – The Park is home to many rare and beautiful plants. We encourage entries highlighting the stunning flora planted within our parkland and gardens.
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Marvellous Monochrome – Illustrating the graphic aspect of black and white photography to emphasise the natural drama of the image.
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Paws at the Park - the Park has been a dog-friendly attraction since it first opened in 1970. The Daily Telegraph named us one of Britain's 25 best dog-friendly days out (2018). In this category, we encourage dog owners to submit photos of their four-legged family member(s) enjoying the Park as much as their owners.
To take part click here: photography competition.
Parma Wallabies
Our female Parma Wallabies have recently produced young. Keepers witnessed a joey jump out of its mother's pouch (and quickly jump back in!). Newborn Wallabies crawl through their mother's fur to the pouch where they latch on to one of four teats and suckle on their mother's milk for four months. At around five months old the young Wallaby starts to peek out of its mother's pouch. At six months they regularly leave the pouch but will return to feed or if they feel threatened.
Calling all ‘CotsWild Explorers’
The Cotswold Wildlife Park’s new ‘CotsWild Explorer’ activity trail launches in April for children aged 6-11 years old. The egg themed trail pack (available from the Gift Shop) comes with a pop badge, lanyard and pencil for £2.50 per pack (with 10% going to Penguin conservation). Normal gate entry applies.
Springing into life!
The Hellebores in the Winter Garden are looking stunning this time of year, located between the Owls, Emus and Siamangs. Some of the beds in the Walled Garden are bursting with colour too.
Animal of the Month - Ostriches
The Ostrich is the largest living bird, standing over 2.5 metres tall and weighing in at 110 kg. They are incredibly fast runners and can attain speeds over 70 kms per hour (that’s 45 mph to us British!). The Ostrich is an African species, occurring from the Sahara down to South Africa. Ostriches have been associated with man for over 5,000 years, initially for their plume feathers for adornments. Recently, these heavy bodied birds have been farmed all over the world for their meat.
Last year was good for the Cotswold Ostrich pair, producing 3 chicks in the summer. They are growing fast under the watchful eye of the adults and their antics provide great amusement for keepers and visitors alike in their large paddock near the main entrance. Our female, in particular, is very attentive and would be able to give a lethal kick to anyone with designs on her offspring.
Plant of the Month - Panolas
Panolas are a hybrid between pansies and violas noted for their vigour, cold hardiness and abundance of flower, making them just perfect for our barrels, pots and planters. We plant them in February/March when the worst of the winter weather has usually past. The wide range of colours can be seen at planting time and continue in profusion well into June, especially if dead-headed regularly. Just like their parents, the individual blooms smile at you and bring much joy.
For more information see the Cotswold Wildlife Park website
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